Risks / Side-effects

Potential side-effects of Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products (CBMPs) are minimal with CBD, and greater with THC.

Most common: Dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness and disorientation

Others: Euphoria, unsteadiness, hallucinations, nausea, paranoia, anxiety, depression, psychosis

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: nausea associated with excess THC

To minimise potential side-effects, the philosophy of, 'Start Low and Go Slow' is adopted

Contra-indications (THC): Mania; cannabis use disorder; history/first-degree relative of psychosis

Contra-indications (all CBMPs): Pregnancy/breastfeeding

Relative contra-indications: Post-MI/stroke; cardiac arrhythmia; liver cirrhosis

Interactions (THC): With drugs affecting liver enzymes CTP2C9 and CYP3A4

Interactions (CBD): With drugs affecting liver enzymes CTP2C19 and CYP3A4

Cannabis Dependency: Rare in Medical Users

Lung Cancer: Not when using vaporiser

Cognition: No long-term impairment in fully-developed adults